Discover

'a silver thread in a ribbon of green'

flowing through Edinburgh

A healthy river cared for by its community

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to improve and protect the river, its heritage and wildlife: the Trust promotes education and recreation through the Visitor Centre and works with volunteers and community groups to deliver around 250 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually. 

Operating since 1988, it was the first river charity to be established in Scotland. Support our work by becoming a member, sending a donation or joining the hundred-strong team of volunteers who are involved in projects on the river and in running the Visitor Centre.   

The Trust is a registered Charity (number SC000015). Our work is supported by City of Edinburgh Council’s Services for Communities and Communities and Families Departments.

 

Latest News

Walkway Closure: Balgreen to Murrayfield from 22nd September to end of March 2026
Please be advised that the Water of Leith Walkway will closed between Balgreen and Murrayfield due to essential sewer network improvements by Scottish Water

A local diversion is available

The Walkway

13 mile walkway winding through our capital

Visitor Centre

Open daily 10am to 4pm, community café & exhibition

The River

Edinburgh’s hidden natural asset

The Trust

Conserving and enhancing the river since 1988

Volunteering

Join the team and help protect the Water of Leith

Learning

Discover more on one of our learning programmes or activities

Featured Events

Mon 24th Nov

Wild Homecomings – an evening with author Keith Broomfield

Nature writer Keith Broomfield talks about the wildlife of his current home area – the River Devon in Clackmannanshire – as well as Edinburgh, where he grew up and a city that sparked his passion for nature, and which led to the publication of his latest book, Wild Edinburgh
7pm to 8.30pm
£7 Free to Members

Sat 6th Dec

Christmas Fayre

Details to follow
11am to 2pm
Free but there will be charges for craft activities

Mon 26th Jan

Members Talk – Historic Water of Leith Mills – an Artist’s View

Alan Lucas, son of the artist Edwin G. Lucas, takes us on a trip down the Water of Leith from Currie, via Juniper Green and Colinton Dell, to Slateford.
7pm
£7 - Free for Member

Latest News & Blog Posts

News

New Nature Adventures for Nursery Groups

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust is excited to launch new programmes specially designed for nursery-aged children, giving little learners ...

News

Five Years of Progress: Water of Leith Management Plan 2025 Update

The Water of Leith Management Plan guides the partners in the Water of Leith Action group to work together to ...

News

Survey Season Round-up

The 2025 survey season has certainly been a busy and productive one for our dedicated survey teams. With more meadows ...

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